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Article Guide

The 1095-C form serves a crucial role in the healthcare landscape for both employers and employees in the United States. This form is issued by Applicable Large Employers, which are businesses that employ 50 or more full-time employees. The primary purpose of the 1095-C is to provide essential details regarding health insurance coverage offered to the employee, their spouses, and dependents. It contains specific information about the type of coverage available, any required contributions from the employee, and codes indicating the nature of the coverage. Additionally, the 1095-C includes sections that identify both the employee and employer, listing Social Security numbers and employer identification numbers for accuracy and record-keeping. For employees, this form is vital when applying for premium tax credits related to health coverage obtained through the Health Insurance Marketplace. If an employee has multiple jobs within the year, they may receive multiple 1095-C forms, each reflecting coverage from different employers. Information about family members may also be included if the employer provides a self-insured health plan. Overall, understanding the 1095-C can help individuals ensure they meet healthcare obligations and leverage available credits while navigating their healthcare options.

Form Sample

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

600120

Form 1095-C

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VOID

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage

 

 

 

 

 

OMB No. 1545-2251

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Department of the Treasury

 

 

 

 

 

Do not attach to your tax return. Keep for your records.

 

 

CORRECTED

 

2021

Internal Revenue Service

 

 

 

Go to www.irs.gov/Form1095C for instructions and the latest information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part I

 

Employee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Applicable Large Employer Member (Employer)

 

 

1

Name of employee (first name, middle initial, last name)

 

 

2 Social security number (SSN)

7 Name of employer

 

 

 

 

8 Employer identification number (EIN)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

Street address (including apartment no.)

 

 

 

 

 

 

9 Street address (including room or suite no.)

 

 

 

10 Contact telephone number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

City or town

 

 

 

5 State or province

 

 

6 Country and ZIP or foreign postal code

11 City or town

12 State or province

 

13 Country and ZIP or foreign postal code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Part II

Employee Offer of Coverage

 

 

 

Employee’s Age on January 1

 

Plan Start Month (enter 2-digit number):

 

 

 

 

 

All 12 Months

 

Jan

Feb

 

 

Mar

Apr

May

June

July

Aug

 

Sept

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Dec

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14

Offer of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Coverage (enter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

required code)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15

Employee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Required

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contribution (see

$

 

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

 

$

instructions)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16 Section 4980H Safe Harbor and Other Relief (enter code, if applicable)

17 ZIP Code

 

Form 1095-C (2021)

For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see separate instructions.

Cat. No. 60705M

600220

Form 1095-C (2021)

Page 2

Instructions for Recipient

You are receiving this Form 1095-C because your employer is an Applicable Large Employer subject to the employer shared responsibility provisions in the Affordable Care Act. This Form 1095-C includes information about the health insurance coverage offered to you by your employer. Form 1095-C, Part II, includes information about the coverage, if any, your employer offered to you and your spouse and dependent(s). If you purchased health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace and wish to claim the premium tax credit, this information will assist you in determining whether you are eligible. For more information about the premium tax credit, see Pub. 974, Premium Tax Credit (PTC). You may receive multiple Forms 1095-C if you had multiple employers during the year that were Applicable Large Employers (for example, you left employment with one Applicable Large Employer and began a new position of employment with another Applicable Large Employer). In that situation, each Form 1095-C would have information only about the health insurance coverage offered to you by the employer identified on the form. If your employer is not an Applicable Large Employer, it is not required to furnish you a Form 1095-C providing information about the health coverage it offered.

In addition, if you, or any other individual who is offered health coverage because of their relationship to you (referred to here as family members), enrolled in your employer’s health plan and that plan is a type of plan referred to as a “self-insured” plan, Form 1095-C, Part III, provides information about you and your family members who had certain health coverage (referred to as “minimum essential coverage”) for some or all months during the year. If you or your family members are eligible for certain types of minimum essential coverage, you may not be eligible for the premium tax credit.

If your employer provided you or a family member health coverage through an insured health plan or in another manner, you may receive information about the coverage separately on Form 1095-B, Health Coverage. Similarly, if you or a family member obtained minimum essential coverage from another source, such as a government-sponsored program, an individual market plan, or miscellaneous coverage designated by the Department of Health and Human Services, you may receive information about that coverage on Form 1095-B. If you or a family member enrolled in a qualified health plan through a Health Insurance Marketplace, the Health Insurance Marketplace will report information about that coverage on Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement.

Employers are required to furnish Form 1095-C only to the employee. As the recipient of TIP this Form 1095-C, you should provide a copy to any family members covered under a

self-insured employer-sponsored plan listed in Part III if they request it for their records.

Additional information. For additional information about the tax provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including the individual shared responsibility provisions, the premium tax credit, and the employer shared responsibility provisions, visit www.irs.gov/ACA or call the IRS Healthcare Hotline for ACA questions (800-919-0452).

Part I. Employee

Lines 1–6. Part I, lines 1 through 6, reports information about you, the employee.

Line 2. This is your social security number (SSN). For your protection, this form may show only the last four digits of your SSN. However, the employer is required to report your complete SSN to the IRS.

Part I. Applicable Large Employer Member (Employer)

Lines 7–13. Part I, lines 7 through 13, reports information about your employer.

Line 10. This line includes a telephone number for the person whom you may call if you have questions about the information reported on the form or to report errors in the information on the form and ask that they be corrected.

Part II. Employer Offer of Coverage, Lines 14–17

Line 14. The codes listed below for line 14 describe the coverage that your employer offered to you and your spouse and dependent(s), if any. (If you received an offer of coverage through a multiemployer plan due to your membership in a union, that offer may not be shown on line 14.) The information on line 14 relates to eligibility for coverage subsidized by the premium tax credit for you, your spouse, and dependent(s). For more information about the premium tax credit, see Pub. 974.

1A. Minimum essential coverage providing minimum value offered to you with an employee required contribution for self-only coverage equal to or less than 9.5% (as adjusted) of the 48 contiguous states single federal poverty line and minimum essential coverage offered to your spouse and dependent(s) (referred to here as a Qualifying Offer). This code may be used to report for specific months for which a Qualifying Offer was made, even if you did not receive a Qualifying Offer for all 12 months of the calendar year. For information on the adjustment of the 9.5%, visit IRS.gov.

1B. Minimum essential coverage providing minimum value offered to you and minimum essential coverage NOT offered to your spouse or dependent(s).

1C. Minimum essential coverage providing minimum value offered to you and minimum essential coverage offered to your dependent(s) but NOT your spouse.

1D. Minimum essential coverage providing minimum value offered to you and minimum essential coverage offered to your spouse but NOT your dependent(s).

1E. Minimum essential coverage providing minimum value offered to you and minimum essential coverage offered to your dependent(s) and spouse.

1F. Minimum essential coverage NOT providing minimum value offered to you, or you and your spouse or dependent(s), or you, your spouse, and dependent(s).

1G. You were NOT a full-time employee for any month of the calendar year but were enrolled in self- insured employer-sponsored coverage for one or more months of the calendar year. This code will be entered in the All 12 Months box or in the separate monthly boxes for all 12 calendar months on line 14.

1H. No offer of coverage (you were NOT offered any health coverage or you were offered coverage that is NOT minimum essential coverage).

1I. Reserved for future use.

1J. Minimum essential coverage providing minimum value offered to you; minimum essential coverage conditionally offered to your spouse; and minimum essential coverage NOT offered to your dependent(s).

1K. Minimum essential coverage providing minimum value offered to you; minimum essential coverage conditionally offered to your spouse; and minimum essential coverage offered to your dependent(s).

1L. Individual coverage health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) offered to you only with affordability determined by using employee’s primary residence ZIP code.

1M. Individual coverage HRA offered to you and dependent(s) (not spouse) with affordability determined by using employee’s primary residence ZIP code.

1N. Individual coverage HRA offered to you, spouse, and dependent(s) with affordability determined by using employee’s primary residence ZIP code.

1O. Individual coverage HRA offered to you only using the employee’s primary employment site ZIP code affordability safe harbor.

1P. Individual coverage HRA offered to you and dependent(s) (not spouse) using the employee’s primary employment site ZIP code affordability safe harbor.

1Q. Individual coverage HRA offered to you, spouse, and dependent(s) using the employee’s primary employment site ZIP code affordability safe harbor.

1R. Individual coverage HRA that is NOT affordable offered to you; employee and spouse or dependent(s); or employee, spouse, and dependents.

1S. Individual coverage HRA offered to an individual who was not a full-time employee.

1T. Individual coverage HRA offered to employee and spouse (no dependents) with affordability determined using employee’s primary residence ZIP code.

1U. Individual coverage HRA offered to employee and spouse (no dependents) using employee’s primary employment site ZIP code affordability safe harbor.

1V. Reserved for future use.

1W. Reserved for future use.

1X. Reserved for future use.

1Y. Reserved for future use.

1Z. Reserved for future use.

(Continued on page 4)

600320

Form 1095-C (2021)

Page 3

Part III Covered Individuals

If Employer provided self-insured coverage, check the box and enter the information for each individual enrolled in coverage, including the employee.

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30

(a) Name of covered individual(s)

(b) SSN or other TIN (c) DOB (if SSN or other

(d) Covered

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(e) Months of coverage

 

 

 

 

 

 

First name, middle initial, last name

TIN is not available)

all 12 months

 

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May June July

Aug Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Form 1095-C (2021)

600420

Form 1095-C (2021)

Page 4

Instructions for Recipient (continued)

Line 15. This line reports the employee required contribution, which is the monthly cost to you for the lowest cost self-only minimum essential coverage providing minimum value that your employer offered you. For an individual coverage HRA, the employee required contribution is the excess of the monthly premium based on the employee’s applicable age for the applicable lowest cost silver plan over the monthly individual coverage HRA amount (generally, the annual individual coverage HRA amount divided by 12). See the Instructions for Forms 1094-C and 1095-C for more details. The amount reported on line 15 may not be the amount you paid for coverage if, for example, you chose to enroll in more expensive coverage such as family coverage. Line 15 will show an amount only if code 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1J, 1K, 1L, 1M, 1N, 1O, 1P, 1Q, 1T, or 1U is entered on line 14. If you were offered coverage but there is no cost to you for the coverage, this line will report “0.00” for the amount. For more information, including on how your eligibility for other healthcare arrangements might affect the amount reported on line 15, visit IRS.gov.

Line 16. This code provides the IRS information to administer the employer shared responsibility provisions. Other than a code 2C, which reflects your enrollment in your employer’s coverage, none of this information affects your eligibility for the premium tax credit. For more information about the employer shared responsibility provisions, visit IRS.gov.

Line 17. This line reports the applicable ZIP code your employer used for determining affordability if you were offered an individual coverage HRA. If code 1L, 1M, 1N, or 1T was used on line 14, this will be your primary residence location. If code 1O, 1P, 1Q, or 1U was used on line 14, this will be your primary employment site. For more information about individual coverage HRAs, visit IRS.gov.

Part III. Covered Individuals, Lines 18–30

Part III reports the name, SSN (or TIN for covered individuals other than the employee listed in Part I), and coverage information about each individual (including any full-time employee and non-full-time employee, and any employee’s family members) covered under the employer’s health plan, if the plan is “self-insured.” A date of birth will be entered in column (c) only if an SSN (or TIN for covered individuals other than the employee listed in Part I) is not entered in column (b). Column (d) will be checked if the individual was covered for at least one day in every month of the year. For individuals who were covered for some but not all months, information will be entered in column (e) indicating the months for which these individuals were covered. If there are more than 13 covered individuals, additional copies of page 3 may be used.

Document Specifications

Fact Name Detail
Purpose of Form The 1095-C form is used to report information about health insurance offered to employees by applicable large employers as part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Applicable Large Employers Only employers with 50 or more full-time employees or equivalents are required to furnish the 1095-C form.
Employee Information The form contains detailed employee information, including name, Social Security number (SSN), and contact information.
Coverage Offer Reporting Part II of the form details the coverage offered, including monthly employee contribution amounts and availability codes to indicate coverage status.
Self-Insured Plans If a self-insured plan is offered, Part III lists covered individuals like family members and provides their coverage details.
Record Keeping Requirement Employees should keep the 1095-C for their records, though it does not need to be attached to tax returns.
State-Specific Forms Some states may have their governing laws requiring additional forms, such as Massachusetts (M.G.L c. 111M) or New Jersey (N.J.S.A. 54:50-48).

Steps to Filling Out 1095 C

After gathering the necessary information, you are ready to complete Form 1095-C. This form provides essential details about the health coverage offered by your employer. Follow these steps carefully to ensure accurate completion.

  1. Provide the employee's information in Part I:
    • Enter the name of the employee (first, middle initial, last name) in line 1.
    • Include the social security number (SSN) in line 2. Note that only the last four digits might appear for privacy.
    • Fill in the street address, city, state, and ZIP code in lines 3–6.
    • Input the name of the employer in line 7 and the employer identification number (EIN) in line 8.
    • Provide the employer's contact telephone number in line 10.
  2. Complete Part II regarding the offer of coverage:
    • Enter the employee's age on January 1 in line 14, and choose the plan start month.
    • Describe the offer of coverage by entering the appropriate code in line 14.
    • For line 15, report the employee's required contribution for the lowest cost self-only coverage offered. This is defined in the instructions.
    • If applicable, enter a code in line 16, which relates to safe harbor and other relief.
    • In line 17, report the ZIP code used for determining affordability for individual coverage HRA.
  3. Complete Part III if your employer provided self-insured coverage:
    • Check the box indicating that coverage was provided and list each covered individual’s name in column (a).
    • Enter the SSN or TIN of each individual in column (b); if unavailable, provide the date of birth in column (c).
    • Check column (d) if the individual was covered for all months.
    • In column (e), indicate the months of coverage for individuals who were covered for some, but not all, months.

Once you have filled out all necessary sections, review the form for accuracy. Keep a copy for your records, as you do not need to submit it with your tax return, but maintaining documentation is advisable.

More About 1095 C

What is Form 1095-C?

Form 1095-C is the Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage form. Employers, specifically Applicable Large Employers (ALEs), are required to send this form to employees. It provides information about the health insurance coverage offered to the employee, their spouse, and dependents. This form is important for tax purposes and helps individuals understand their health coverage options under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Who receives Form 1095-C?

Form 1095-C is sent to employees of Applicable Large Employers, which are those with 50 or more full-time employees. If an employee worked for multiple ALEs during the year, they may receive more than one Form 1095-C, with each form reflecting coverage from a different employer.

Do I need to attach Form 1095-C to my tax return?

No, Form 1095-C should not be attached to your tax return. Instead, it is intended for your records. You should keep it in a safe place as you may need to refer to it when filing your taxes or if you apply for health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

What information is included in Form 1095-C?

The form includes details such as your name, Social Security Number (SSN), employer's information, the health coverage offered to you, the employee required contribution for coverage, and any relevant codes indicating which types of coverage were offered to you, your spouse, and dependents.

What should I do if I find an error on my Form 1095-C?

If you notice any discrepancies or errors on your Form 1095-C, you should contact your employer directly. The employer is responsible for correcting and reporting any accurate information to the IRS.

What is the difference between Form 1095-C and Form 1095-B?

Form 1095-C is issued by Applicable Large Employers detailing the health coverage they offered to employees. In contrast, Form 1095-B is typically provided by other types of health coverage providers, such as insurance companies or government programs, and it reports the health coverage that individuals received. Both forms provide essential information for tax filing but come from different sources.

What if I did not receive Form 1095-C?

If you believe you should have received a Form 1095-C from your employer but did not, it is advisable to reach out to your employer’s human resources or payroll department. If the employer is an Applicable Large Employer and you worked there during the filing year, they are obligated to provide this form.

How is the employee required contribution on Form 1095-C determined?

The employee required contribution is the monthly cost for the least expensive self-only minimum essential coverage offered. It may differ from the actual amount you paid if you selected a more comprehensive or family plan. The specifics, such as the determined costs, will be reported in Part II of the form.

What does the code in Line 14 of Form 1095-C signify?

Line 14 contains codes that describe the type of health insurance coverage your employer offered. These codes help determine eligibility for the premium tax credit, should you wish to claim it when filing taxes. Understanding these codes is essential for accurately filing your taxes.

Can my family members receive Form 1095-C?

Form 1095-C is provided only to the employee; however, if the employee's family members were covered under a self-insured plan in which the employee participated, the employee can provide copies to those family members upon request for their records. Each family member covered under the plan should request a copy as needed.

Common mistakes

  1. Incorrectly Filling Out Personal Information: It's crucial to enter the full and correct name, including any middle initials. Any variations or omissions in your name can lead to confusion in identification.

  2. Leaving Out the Social Security Number: Ensure you include the entire Social Security Number (SSN). The IRS needs this complete number, even if the form only shows partial digits for privacy reasons.

  3. Ignoring Employer Details: Part I requires accurate information about your employer. Missing or incorrect details, like the Employer Identification Number (EIN), can cause issues during processing.

  4. Choosing Incorrect Coverage Codes: Line 14 must have the correct code that reflects the coverage offered. Misidentifying the coverage type can result in reporting errors.

  5. Neglecting to Include All Covered Individuals: In Part III, all covered individuals must be listed. Omitting a family member who received coverage can create gaps in reported information.

  6. Forgetting to Report Employee Contribution: Make sure to list the correct amount for the Employee Required Contribution (line 15). Neglecting this can affect tax credits and liabilities.

  7. Using Outdated or Incorrect Codes: Codes change over time, so it’s essential to have the most current information when filling out Line 16 and other sections.

  8. Failing to Double-Check for Errors: Errors can easily slip through. Always review your entries before submitting. A small mistake can cause significant complications later.

  9. Not Keeping a Copy: Keep a copy of the completed Form 1095-C for your records. This documentation may be necessary for future tax purposes.

Documents used along the form

Alongside Form 1095-C, several other documents play a crucial role in health coverage reporting and tax compliance. Each of these forms provides important details regarding health insurance coverage and can be essential for both employees and employers during tax season.

  • Form 1095-A: This form is issued by the Health Insurance Marketplace and provides information about the coverage obtained through the Marketplace. It includes details about the insurance plan, premiums, and any premium tax credits that the insured may qualify for.
  • Form 1095-B: This form reports health coverage provided by smaller employers or government programs. It outlines the months individuals were covered under minimum essential health coverage, which is important for determining eligibility for the premium tax credit.
  • Form W-2: This document is issued by employers and includes detailed information about an employee's annual wages and the taxes withheld. For those with employer-sponsored health coverage, it also indicates if coverage was offered and mentions the cost of health insurance.
  • Form 1040: This is the standard individual income tax return form used by U.S. taxpayers. It is important for individuals to complete this form accurately to report income, claim deductions, and assess eligibility for tax credits related to health coverage.
  • Form 8962: This form is necessary for claiming the Premium Tax Credit. Taxpayers must complete it to reconcile the premium tax credits they received for health coverage purchased through the Marketplace against the actual amount of credit they are eligible for.

Understanding these forms helps individuals navigate the complexities of health insurance reporting and ensures compliance with taxation requirements. Keeping thorough records of all relevant documents is vital to avoid any issues when filing taxes.

Similar forms

The Form 1095-C is an essential document when it comes to understanding your health insurance coverage area. One document that bears similarities is the Form 1095-A, the Health Insurance Marketplace Statement. This form is issued to individuals who enroll in a qualified health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Like the 1095-C, the 1095-A provides information regarding your health coverage for the year, including details relevant for claiming premium tax credits. Both forms require accurate reporting and can significantly impact tax calculations connected to health care provisions established by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Another document that closely resembles the Form 1095-C is Form 1095-B, which reports health coverage information for individuals enrolled in certain types of health plans, typically smaller group plans or those provided by government programs. Like the 1095-C, Form 1095-B serves the purpose of confirming minimum essential coverage offered to individuals and their dependents. However, unlike Form 1095-C that is specifically for applicable large employers, Form 1095-B is generally issued by insurance providers and thus provides a different perspective on your coverage.

Next is the Form W-2, the Wage and Tax Statement, which is commonly associated with salary and income reporting. Both the W-2 and 1095-C provide an overview of the health benefits related to employment. The W-2 includes a box indicating whether health coverage was provided, whereas the 1095-C delves deeper into the nature of that coverage, making it a useful complement when reviewing overall tax documents.

Additionally, Form 1098 is pertinent when discussing educational expenses and student loan interest. While this document does not relate directly to healthcare like the 1095-C, it is similar in that it provides information necessary for tax filing. It itemizes payments made towards student loans and can also affect tax liabilities, similar to how the 1095-C influences your tax credit eligibility tied to health insurance coverage.

The Form 8862, which is used to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) after disallowance, also can be seen in a similar light. Although the content differs significantly, both forms play a part in ensuring compliance with tax laws and regulations. The 8862 is called upon following EITC claim issues while the 1095-C acts as a verification for the insurance coverage aspect previously discussed, illustrating how critical documentation is in the realm of tax benefits and credits.

Form 1040, the individual income tax return, is another document that aligns with the characteristics of the 1095-C. Both forms are crucial for accurately filing taxes and can significantly impact tax refunds or liabilities. While the 1040 serves as the primary tax form for individuals, the 1095-C adds depth by specifically focusing on health insurance coverage, making them essential companions when preparing your tax filing.

Another key form in this context is the Schedule A, which is used for itemizing deductions. Although primarily for reporting itemized tax deductions, it mirrors the intent of the 1095-C in its foundational role of shaping the taxpayer's financial picture. Both aim to offer a clearer understanding of financial obligations and benefits the individual has, be it through healthcare coverage or deductible expenses in a given tax year.

Last but not least is the Form 8962, which is utilized to claim the Premium Tax Credit. This document directly relates to Form 1095-C as it helps establish eligibility for assistance based on coverage offered. When you're applying for the credit, the information from the 1095-C—especially the employer’s offer of coverage—becomes vital. Thus, both forms work together to provide necessary data that guide tax benefits associated with health insurance.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the 1095-C form, here are some important dos and don'ts to keep in mind:

  • Do enter your full name accurately in Part I, Line 1.
  • Do provide your Social Security Number (SSN) carefully on Line 2.
  • Do include your employer’s name and EIN in Part I, Lines 7 and 8.
  • Do check the box in Part III if your employer provided self-insured coverage.
  • Do verify the information on the form matches what your employer has on record.
  • Don't leave any part of Part I blank; all fields must be filled.
  • Don't confuse the monthly coverage codes; use the correct code that reflects your situation.
  • Don't submit the 1095-C with your tax return; just keep it for your records.
  • Don't use the 1095-C to apply for coverage; it only reports what was offered.

Misconceptions

Understanding the 1095-C form can be challenging, and there are several misconceptions about it. Here are ten common misconceptions clarified for better comprehension.

  • It must be attached to my tax return. This form is not required to be sent with your tax return. Keep it for your records instead.
  • Only full-time employees receive Form 1095-C. In reality, even part-time employees can receive this form if they were enrolled in a self-insured plan for any month.
  • If I have health insurance, I won’t receive the form. If your employer is an Applicable Large Employer, you will receive Form 1095-C, even if you opted for coverage elsewhere.
  • Form 1095-C is just for my own coverage. This form can also include information about coverage offered to your spouse and dependent(s).
  • Receiving a 1095-C means I owe a penalty. The form indicates insurance coverage, not penalties. Penalties arise when there is no minimum essential coverage.
  • Form 1095-C is the same as Form 1095-B. These forms are different. While 1095-C is for employer-sponsored coverage, 1095-B relates to other types of health insurance.
  • My employer reports coverage costs to the IRS. The employer does report coverage costs, but they are not the same as what you might pay for other options.
  • If I don't receive a 1095-C, I shouldn't worry. If you worked for an Applicable Large Employer, you should have received it. If not, follow up with your HR department.
  • My 1095-C information is final and cannot be amended. Errors can be corrected. If you believe there is a mistake, contact your employer to request a correction.
  • The 1095-C form automatically determines my eligibility for a premium tax credit. The form provides information needed to assess eligibility, but it does not determine it on its own.

Being aware of these misconceptions can help navigate health coverage and tax implications more effectively. Always consult with a tax professional for personalized advice.

Key takeaways

Understanding the 1095-C form is essential for both employees and employers, especially when it comes to health insurance coverage. Here are four key takeaways about filling out and using this form:

  • Keep It for Your Records: The 1095-C should not be attached to your tax return. Instead, keep it in a safe place for your records. It contains information that you may need for future reference, especially when discussing health coverage with tax professionals.
  • Information Provided: The form includes details about the health insurance coverage your employer offered to you, your spouse, and dependents. This is critical for determining if you're eligible for premium tax credits through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
  • Multiple Employers: If you had more than one job with applicable large employers throughout the year, you may receive multiple copies of the 1095-C. Each version will provide specific information regarding the respective employer's health coverage, so keep track of each one carefully.
  • Coverage Codes Matter: On the form, you'll find various codes that indicate the type of health coverage offered. These codes play a significant role in determining your eligibility for health coverage credits, so understanding them is key to navigating your health insurance options.

By being aware of these points, you can approach the 1095-C form with confidence and ensure you’re making informed decisions about your health coverage.